With the current restrictions placed on New Zealand due to Covid-19, many people may now be considering the use of electronic signatures for legal documents.  In this article we summarise the law on the use of electronic signatures and discuss the differences between “digital signatures” and other forms of electronic signature.    

Many commercial tenants are currently unable to access their premises to operate their businesses due to the COVID-19 Level 4 Government restrictions. This is prompting discussions between landlords and tenants around rent reductions and other relief measures, and both need to be aware of their obligations and the need to act in good faith.

During this time of uncertainty there is understandable anxiety and concern about the implications of Covid-19 on many fronts. This is certainly the case for many employers and employees across the country. We have seen employers going above and beyond for their employees and adapting to this unique situation. When considering solutions, understanding the legal rights and obligations is important.

What are some of the business law issues arising from the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic? In particular, what scope is there to invoke contractual force majeure provisions? 

Trust Law in New Zealand is finally getting the upgrade it needs after more than 60 years have passed since the Trustee Act 1956 was enacted.  On 30 January 2021, the Trusts Act 2019 will replace the 1956 Act, triggering a review of the estimated 300,000-500,000 trusts in New Zealand.  If you are a settlor, trustee, or a beneficiary of any trust (including a charitable trust) there are some important things you need to know.

Think you need to make some changes to the current roles within your team? Maybe the business isn’t doing so well or just lost a major contract? Or do recent changes to your systems or technology mean that you just don’t need people doing the same mahi anymore? Sounds like you might need to look at a restructure process.

Te Ture Whenua Māori (Succession, Dispute Resolution and Related Matters) Amendment Bill introduces key changes to provisions in the Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 which seek to simplify the succession process. This week we examine the substance of those amendments and the practical effects of the proposed amendments.

Te Ture Whenua Māori (Succession, Dispute Resolution and Related Matters) Amendment Bill  introduces key changes to provisions in the Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 that enhance or extend the jurisdiction and powers of the Māori Land Court. This week we examine the proposed amendments to the proposed new jurisdiction and powers which are aimed at creating efficiencies for the Court and the public.

Te Ture Whenua Māori (Succession, Dispute Resolution and Related Matters) Amendment Bill introduces key changes to provisions in the Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 on how the Māori Land Court deals with property rights. This week we examine the proposed amendments to these rights which are aimed at making the Māori Land Court more “user friendly”.

The Te Ture Whenua Māori (Succession, Dispute Resolution and Related Matters) Amendment Bill proposes a number of amendments to Māori trusts and incorporations designed to simplify the Māori Land Court process for uncontested matters. This week we examine the substance of those amendments and the practical effects of the proposed amendments.

Whatungarongaro te tangata toitū te whenua

The Government has recently introduced Te Ture Whenua Māori (Succession, Dispute Resolution and Related Matters) Amendment Bill.  The Bill introduces a number of practical and technical amendments to Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 designed to enable Māori land to work better for whānau.  The purpose of the Bill is to ensure the intergenerational wellbeing of Māori landowners and to provide for the utilisation of their whenua. 

A licence to occupy provides an option for beneficial owners of Māori freehold land and their whānau to utilise their whenua as a site for housing. In this article we discuss what a license to occupy is, the rights of the license holder and the underlying owners and how to apply for a license to occupy Māori freehold land.

A recent High Court case confirming that settlors of family trusts are free to dispose of property as they see fit and, as the law currently stands, do not owe fiduciary duties to their adult children who are not beneficiaries. However, recent comments by Associate Judge Johnston and the Law Commission signal the need for Parliamentary reform in this area.

The Health sector has been subject to multiple reviews this year in Aotearoa – a Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction, a Waitangi Tribunal Inquiry into Health Services and Outcomes, and now the Māori Affairs Committee are looking into health inequities for Māori.

The Government recently announced its Wellbeing Budget for 2019 and confirmed the growing mental health crisis in New Zealand. The importance of this issue and how we can support those affected is an ongoing conversation that has become very relevant in the workplace. A holistic approach underpinned by manaakitanga (caring for others) that focuses on proactive prevention and fair responses will go a long way to improve workplace wellness.